Specialist Classes
Term 2
Specialist Area | Statement |
Auslan
(Michelle Rees) | In Term 2, students will continue to develop their understanding of Auslan, and how we can use our bodies and facial expressions to communicate. We will look closely at the five parameters of Auslan (handshape, orientation, location, movement and non-manual features) and talk about the importance of these. We will grow our Auslan vocabulary by learning signs for numbers, emotions, animals and the weather. These signs and concepts will be taught using a range of role plays, games and songs. Students will also have the opportunity to view a variety of videos and stories, created by people within the deaf community, to help us build our understanding of deaf culture. |
Performing Arts
(Peter Humphries) | In Term 2, students will explore key elements of music and drama through a variety of engaging activities. In music, they will learn to recognise and create beat symbols and beat patterns. They will investigate pitch by creating sound stories and experimenting with vocal effects. Students will develop their understanding of dynamics by responding to changes in volume and practising singing and playing both loudly and softly. They will also explore tempo by experiencing fast and slow movements, including participating in a "Pony Gallop" dance. In drama, students will build their expressive skills through mime activities and will engage with picture books, using prompts to create responses and highlight their favourite lines. They will have opportunities to participate in short performances and will further develop their creative skills through puppetry. |
Visual Arts
(Amanda West) | In Term 2, students will begin by exploring the changing seasons, focusing on the lines, shapes and warm colours found in autumn leaves. Through close observation, they will create their own autumn-inspired artworks using a variety of techniques, including leaf rubbings (frottage) and colour diffusing paper to explore the blending of warm hues. Students will also develop their fine motor skills through paper weaving, experimenting with patterns. To extend their understanding of texture and form, they will create a clay snail, learning modelling techniques such as rolling, incising, and joining clay. In addition to regularly sharing and discussing our work, art appreciation will be further explored during Education Week when our art room turns into the ‘Steam Punk and Robots Gallery’ (on display for Open Night). We’ll learn about art gallery etiquette and engage with a range of art forms through observational drawings and discussion. |
Physical Education (P.E)
(Chris Steele) | In Term 2, students will continue to focus on exploring movement and physical activity. Participation will include minor games and activities to develop fundamental motor skills particularly underarm throwing, catching, kicking and skipping. This will be explored through the use of body and space awareness with equipment such as hoops, beanbags, soft balls and ropes. The concepts of teamwork and cooperation will be introduced. |